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Abstract

School-based mentoring programs are plentiful in number; however, studies measuring the impact of school-based mentoring for students with disabilities are limited. The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of mentoring on the academic and social emotional skills of middle school students with documented disabilities, as well as the impact of the mentor-mentee relationship on college-student mentors. The mentoring program paired four college education majors with four middle school males with documented disabilities who were identified by their teacher as needing assistance with academic and socio-emotional skills. A mixed-methods study was used to conduct an in-depth investigation of the impact of the mentor partnership. Data collection methods included (1) mentor and mentee surveys, (2) observations of mentor-mentee activities, (3) interviews with a science teacher and special education teacher, and (4) science grades. Results from the study support the positive impact that mentoring can have on both academic and social-emotional development of middle school students with documented disabilities.

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Dr. Tammy Graham is an Associate Professor, Teacher Education Division Coordinator, and Assistant Dean for Assessment and Continuous Improvement in the Zucker Family School of Education at The Citadel.

Renee N. Jefferson

Dr. Renée Jefferson is a Professor and Interim Dean in the Zucker Family School of Education at The Citadel.